PICTURE GALLERY: HMS Queen Elizabeth in all her glory

THE navy’s latest contribution to an international force fighting piracy has been welcomed into the fold.

Commodore Aage Buur Jensen of the Royal Danish Navy, the commander of the combined maritime forces’ counter piracy force (CTF-151) paid a flying visit to HMS Westminster, the latest frigate to arrive in theatre under his command.

HMS Westminster made the rendezvous with the commodore’s flagship in the Gulf of Aden. During his visit, the commodore was presented with a print of a painting of HMS Westminster by Portsmouth artist Julia Pankhurst, entitled The Capital Ship.

Following discussions with the commanding officer of Westminster, Captain Nick Hine, Cdre Jensen was given a ship’s brief by executive officer, Lt Cdr Andy Mason, before a short tour which included the operations room, the Merlin helicopter and a demonstration by the Royal Marine boarding team.

Capt Hine said they were ‘delighted’ by the visit and added: ‘It was a valuable opportunity to better understand his intent and priorities. HMS Westminster has a great deal to offer the combined maritime force and we are excited now to be making our contribution to security in the strategically important region.’